Views on Israel of U.S. Presidential Candidates 2020: Amy Klobuchar

Amy Jean Klobuchar* was born on May 25, 1960, in Plymouth, Minnesota. Klobuchar is the daughter of Rose (née Heuberger) and Jim Klobuchar. She has one younger sister. Her parents divorced when Klobuchar was 15.

Klobuchar attended public schools in Plymouth and was valedictorian at Wayzata High School. In 1982, she graduated from Yale magna cum laude with a B.A. in political science. During college, she was a member of the Yale College Democrats, the Feminist Caucus, and the improv troupe Suddenly Susan. During her time at Yale, Klobuchar spent time as an intern for then Vice President, and former Minnesota Senator, Walter Mondale. Her senior thesis was “Uncovering the Dome,” a history of the ten years of politics surrounding the building of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.

After Yale, Klobuchar enrolled at the University of Chicago Law School, where she served as an associate editor of the University of Chicago Law Review and received her Juris Doctor degree in 1985. She was a partner at two Minneapolis law firms before being elected county attorney for Hennepin County in 1998, making her responsible for all criminal prosecution in Minnesota’s most populous county. She served in that position for eight years.

Amy Jean Klobuchar was born on May 25, 1960, in Plymouth, Minnesota. Klobuchar is the daughter of Rose (née Heuberger) and Jim Klobuchar. She has one younger sister. Her parents divorced when Klobuchar was 15.

After Yale, Klobuchar enrolled at the University of Chicago Law School, where she served as an associate editor of the University of Chicago Law Review and received her Juris Doctor degree in 1985. After law school, Klobuchar worked as a corporate lawyer and became a partner at the Minnesota law firms Dorsey & Whitney and Gray Plant Mooty, where she specialized in “regulatory work in telecommunications law.”

Her first foray into politics came after she gave birth and was forced to leave the hospital 24 hours later, a situation exacerbated by the fact that Klobuchar’s daughter, Abigail, was born with a condition whereby she could not swallow. That experience led Klobuchar to appear before the Minnesota State Legislature advocating for a bill that would guarantee new mothers a 48-hour hospital stay. Minnesota passed the bill and President Clinton later made the policy federal law.

In 1998, she was elected county attorney for Hennepin County, making her responsible for all criminal prosecution in Minnesota’s most populous county. She served in that position for eight years.

Klobuchar’s first visit to Israel was in 2005, when she was contemplating her first run for the Senate. She took the plunge in 2006 and became Minnesota’s first elected female United States Senator. She was reelected in 2012 and 2018.

In 2015, she was appointed Chair of the Senate Democratic Steering Committee, where she brings together senators, businesses, community leaders, policy experts and intergovernmental organizations to help develop policies to strengthen the economy and move the country forward.

Other committee assignments:

For the 116th Congress, Klobuchar was assigned to the following committees:
Committee on the Judiciary
Joint Economic Committee
Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Committee on Rules and Administration (Ranking Member)
Joint Committee on Printing
Joint Committee on Library

Klobuchar has written two books. In 1986, she published her thesis Uncovering the Dome and, in 2015 she published an autobiography, The Senator Next Door: A Memoir from the Heartland.

Klobuchar is married to John Bessler.They have a daughter, Abigail.

Klobuchar, who is of Slovenian descent, likes to joke about how often she’s asked if she’s Jewish. She is a member of the United Church of Christ.

On February 10, 2019, Klobuchar announced that she is running for President and will compete in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries. After failing to win any of the first four primaries, Klobuchar dropped out of the race on March 2, 2020, and endorsed Joe Biden.

Anti-Semitism

Asked how she would improve the anti-Semitic attitude that has been on the rise in the U.S., Klobuchar said, “So the first thing you do is you make sure you have an attorney general in place that is going to make this a priority. That's number one.

Number two, you work with local law enforcement and you have major coordination with local law enforcement, local DAs, state attorney generals, because so much of the work on this is done on the front end.

You look at how you can look for the signs, right? Some of this is everything from schools to social media and, by the way, having enough counselors and other people in the schools to identify this, which, as you know, as we talked about gun violence, is not just about mass shootings. It's also about everyday violence and what we can see.

And then the third thing is education and making sure that people understand this right to worship and how fundamental it is.” (CNN Townhall, February 18, 2020)
“As President, I’ll counter the divisive rhetoric that has grown all too strong in the past few years — and emboldened hate groups. For our Jewish communities & communities of all backgrounds, we must make it clear: there’s no room for hate in America.”

“We must condemn hate without equivocation and stand up for its victims, whether they worship in our Mosques, synagogues or churches.”

After a Jewish Community Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, was evacuated due to a bomb threat, Klobuchar tweeted, “It is unacceptable for their good work to be threatened by hate.”

Regarding Rep. Ilan Omar’s remarks suggesting the dual-loyalty of Jews, Klobuchar said, “You can be American and care about other countries, whether it’s Israel or Ethiopia or Canada — and there’s nothing wrong with that.” (JTA, (December 12, 2019)
Regarding her vote on the anti-BDS bill, “It just showed to me what Mitch McConnell is trying to do all the time: Instead of bringing people together for support of Israel on a bipartisan basis, he and President Trump are always looking for those wedges, a way to do things that creates wedges, instead of bringing people together. I think it has been very negative. And I’m not just talking about one vote. I’m talking about how the prime minister’s visit was handled, as everyone remembers that.” (J Street Conference, October 27, 2019)
“Grieving is not enough. Conviction without courage is not enough. Words without action are not enough. We have to stand up and speak up. We cannot only stand up to the spread of hatred but teach tolerance and acceptance.” (AJC Global Forum, June 21, 2019)
Unlike six of the other Democratic candidates Klobuchar voted with the majority (76 senators voted for the legislation; 22 Democrats opposed it) for the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 a bill that authorizes state and local governments to demand that contractors declare they do not support boycotts of Israel or its settlements in the West Bank. (JTA, February 6, 2019) “As staunch allies of Israel, we must also ensure that harmful movements, like the resurgence in anti-Semitism and the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement are not successful.” (United States Senator Amy Klobuchar)

Israel

The New York Times asked each candidate a series of questions related to Israel. Klobuchar said the United States maintain its current level of military aid to Israel and should not move the U.S. embassy from Jerusalem. She is committed “to a meaningful Mideast peace process that combines — not separates — the political and economic tracks, has buy-in from Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world, and ultimately leads to direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians themselves that can lead to a two-state solution.” She believes the Palestinian refugee “issue should be addressed as part of those negotiations.”
“I am a strong supporter of Israel. I still see it as our beacon of democracy in the Mideast. But I have been horrified by some of the things that Trump has done, which has eroded support for Israel in the United States and I think has lessened their security position. I would not reverse the embassy change, but I do think that some of the things that he did recently when the administration said that the settlements were not against international law. That is in violation of longstanding American policy.

And if we truly want to build support for this democracy, then we have to restart these negotiations for a two-state solution, which I would do. When I went to Israel with a number of senators, I went only — it was just me and one other senator that did this — and met with the Palestinians. I think that their economic future is important, and I would push for a two-state solution.

I will say that I also have voted for, see my record, for funding for Israel security. I still think that they are in a really tough neighborhood in a really dangerous position. And made worse by what Trump just did with Syria because now Iran has a foothold there.”

The embassy decision “would have been better if that was done as part of a negotiation for a two-state solution. I think it’s unfortunate it was done the way it was done but I wouldn’t reverse it.” Asked by The Times whether Israel meets international standards for human rights, she said “yes.”

And so one of the things that I see as this really high-stakes opportunity for a new president is to bring in American support again in a big way for Israel. And you do that by stopping these Mitch McConnell divisive votes, making it a wedge issue, trying to play politics instead of looking at what the challenges are ahead. I think that we need to emphasize Israel’s historic support for women’s rights, working on climate change, all of these things that have been lost because of Trump’s continual effort to use this as a partisan pawn. Maybe the worst moment of which was when he tried to — when he pushed the prime minister, who’s been all a part of this as well, to stop two members of Congress from visiting. ”

Asked why she would not move the U.S. embassy back to Tel Aviv, she said, “Because I’ve always supported having the embassy there.” (New York Times, January 15, 2020)
“I believe that that promise that the prime minister made during his political campaign was wrong — that he was going to annex a third of the West Bank. Also the Golan Heights, and what he did there, I disagreed with that.” (JTA, (December 12, 2019)
Responding to the Trump administration’s announcement that it does not consider settlements illegal, Klobuchar said, it “goes against long-standing US policy. Once again Donald Trump is playing politics and taking us further away from a path to a two-state solution.” (Times of Israel, November 19, 2019)
“Rocket attacks on Israel continue. My thoughts are with those living in fear and terror because of these attacks. The United States must continue to support Israel’s security.” (@amyklobuchar, November 13, 2019)
“America and Israel are close allies whose interests in the Middle East and around the world remain strongly aligned. The deep and enduring friendship between our nations is based on values rooted in democracy and mutual strategic goals, and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security. I have strongly supported funding for security assistance to Israel, particularly for the Iron Dome missile defense system. I have consistently supported additional funds in order to bolster this program, including supporting the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016 that committed $38 billion in military aid to Israel over the next ten years. At the same time, I believe that the United States must reinforce its commitment to leading a meaningful peace process of direct negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. With dialogue, patience, and resolve, our ultimate goal of peace through the region can be realized.” (United States Senator Amy Klobuchar)
“As President, Senator Klobuchar will get back to a meaningful peace process that combines—not separates—the political and economic tracks, has buy-in from Israelis, Palestinians, and the Arab world, and ultimately leads to direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians themselves that can lead to a two-state solution," a spokesperson from the Klobuchar campaign told VICE in a statement.” (Vice, September 25, 2019)
Klobuchar said that as president she would keep the American embassy in Israel in Jerusalem rather than move it back to Tel Aviv. Asked by Jewish Insider if she would reverse the decision after a campaign event in Adel, Iowa, Klobuchar said “No, I wouldn’t.”

Klobuchar added, “I think it would have been better if that was done as part of a negotiation for a two-state solution. I think it’s unfortunate it was done the way it was done but I wouldn’t reverse it.”

Klobuchar declined to say if she would reverse Trump’s decision to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, telling JI, “I think it should be part of the negotiations.”

Regarding the U.S. sponsored conference in Bahrain on the Palestinian economy. “The president’s son-in-law holding a summit where neither of the county’s leaders show up, I don’t think that’s really the beginning [of a two-state solution]” said Klobuchar. (JewishInsider, July 1, 2019)
“For me Israel is one of our strongest and most enduring allies and a beacon of democracy in a very tough, and I would say, incomparably tough neighborhood.”

“When I decided to get involved in federal politics and run for the U.S. Senate, one of my very first trips abroad was to Israel. I was overwhelmed by the warmth and spirit of people who welcomed me at every turn. I saw the spirit and resilience of the Israeli people and it reinforced my commitment to strengthening the relationship between our two countries. I will never stop fighting for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and a secure Israel.”

“There is so much that Israel stands for and that our Jewish community stands for – a better world, making sure we do something about climate change, helping refugees from all over the world, making sure that we stand for civil justice. These are important messages as well as the importance of a secure Israel.”

“I remember on that trip I took, standing outside of a house in Sderot, meeting the family and hearing the story of this little girl who all she was doing was doing her homework at the kitchen table and a missile was launched from across the border right in their house, a hole in their roof. Because of that alert system she was saved. But It is something I won’t forget.”

“We must stand for the security of Israel, but we must also stand for the values of Israel.” (AJC Global Forum, June 21, 2019)
Asked by the New York Times, “Do you think Israel meets international standards of human rights?” Klobuchar responded, “Yes. I think Israel, however, under Prime Minister Netanyahu has been doing things that are not helpful to bringing peace to the Middle East. The way that he came out in favor of annexing the Golan Heights, what he has done when it comes to the settlements, the fact that we are not engaging in serious discussions for a two-state solution — our country and the Palestinians and the Israelis, I think that this is setting us back. And so, what I would do is to reach out to restart those negotiations again. I think that President Trump has politicized this issue and has not helped in terms of American support for Israel. Israel is our beacon of democracy in the Mideast, and we have a role to play here that is very important and it shouldn’t be politicized the way the Trump administration has politicized it. And when Israel does things that I think are against public policy and international policy, I will call them out on it and I will work with them. But again, I think that the way President Trump has done this, has made it harder and harder for people to support Israel, and you are seeing a lot of young people that have fallen away from supporting this beacon of democracy in the Mideast, and I think that needs to change.” (New York Times, June 19, 2019)
At a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., Klobuchar warned about waning support for Israel and stressed the need to mend some broken fences between Israel and the American people. (JewishInsider, June 12, 2019)
Met today with Minnesota @AIPAC to discuss policies that ensure a strong and secure Israel. We also talked about the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Thanks to all who attended our meeting! (@SenAmyKlobuchar, March 26, 2019)
When Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recruited an extreme right-wing party to join a coalition that would help his chances for reelection, Klobuchar tweeted: “This is wrong and has been rightly condemned. To quote the American Jewish Committee, ‘[The views of Otzma Yehudit] do not reflect the core values that are the very foundation of the State of Israel.’” (@amyklobuchar, February 25, 2019)
After Netanyahu said during his election campaign he would annex the settlements in the West Bank, she said, “I’m for the two-state solution and I don’t favor what Netanyahu did this weekend,” she said. “I don’t favor the annexation; I think we should have a two-state solution.” (Haaretz, April 9, 2019)

Iran

“We should be negotiating ourselves back into the Iran nuclear agreement.” (Democratic Debate, February 25, 2020)
The New York Times asked each candidate a series of questions related to U.S. policy toward Iran and the nuclear deal. Klobuchar “has made one of her major foreign policy priorities returning to the Iran nuclear agreement while working with the other parties, the U.N. and the I.A.E.A. to strengthen the terms and conditions. As an example, she would push to extend the sunset provisions for caps on Iran’s enrichment levels and capabilities.”

Klobuchar said, “Qassim Suleimani was responsible for directing Iran’s destabilizing actions in Iraq, Syria and throughout the Middle East, including attacks against U.S. troops. However, the timing, provocative manner and consequences of the administration's actions raise serious concerns about an escalating conflict.”

“As commander in chief, Senator Klobuchar will do what is necessary to protect the American people. She believes our focus should be on working with our allies to de-escalate the situation while ensuring the security of Americans in the region. She is also a cosponsor of Senator Kaine’s resolution that requires congressional authorization for any hostilities with Iran.” (New York Times, February 2020)
“I think there are changes you can make to the agreement that are sunset, some changes to the inspections, but overall that is what we should do.”

“We need a realistic long term strategy for Iran that will contain its aggressive actions and prevent it from gaining nuclear weapons.” (JTA, January 17, 2020)
Klobuchar noted that she worked on the nuclear deal “for a significant period of time” and pledged that “as president, I will get us back into that agreement.” (Jewish Insider, January 15, 2020)
“I just think allowing Iran to have a foothold in Syria… with Russia does not make Israel any safer and getting out of that [Iran] agreement did not make Israel safer. And that is why I am so wedded right now to making sure we are continuing the aid.” (JTA, (December 12, 2019)
“Think about our allies in Europe when he pulls out of the Iranian agreement and gives them holding the bag and gives the power to China and Russia.” (Washington Post, October 16, 2019)
“We finally achieved at least a long-term plan where they were not going to enrich your uranium to the degree that they were. They were going to get rid of a number of these facilities, and by all inspections, that was happening. And what does this guy do? What did President Trump do? He comes in and says I can make you a better deal, I can make you more safe. Well guess what? As of today, we are less safe. Iran is blowing through the caps. They are going to start enriching uranium at a level that could lead to nuclear weapons, and it is much less safe than we were when [Trump] came in as president.” (CBS News, July 7, 2019)
Lester Holt: “Can you argue that that nuclear pact as it was ratified was a good deal?”

“Yes, it was.”

“It was imperfect, but it was a good deal for that moment. I would have worked to get longer sunset periods, and that's something we could negotiate, to get back in the deal.

But the point is, Donald Trump told us when he got out of it that he was going to give us a better deal. Those were his words. And now we are a month away from the Iranians, who claim now that they're going blow the caps on enriching uranium. And the Iranians have told us this.”

And so that's where we are now. He has made us less safe than we were when he became president. So what I would do is negotiate us back into that agreement, is stand with our allies, and not give unlimited leverage to China and Russia, which is what he has done.” (NBC News, (June 27, 2019)
At a fundraiser in Washington, D.C., Klobuchar said the U.S. should negotiate its way back into the JCPOA. (JewishInsider, June 12, 2019)
Klobuchar voted for the Iran nuclear deal in 2015. She has expressed support for rejoining the deal if elected. (Haaretz, April 23, 2019)

Syria

Regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops in October 2019: “When you think of it from an Israeli perspective, and you think of it from the perspective of our allies, once again, this president has chosen to let Russia have a lead and then has again backed away from our allies.” (J Street Conference, October 27, 2019)
Regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops in October 2019, Klobuchar said in that month’s debate, “Think about our other allies, Israel. How do they feel right now? Donald Trump is not true to his word when they are a beacon of democracy in the Mideast.” (Washington Post, October 16, 2019)
Klobuchar opposed Trump withdrawing troops from Syria earlier this year, voting for a Senate legislation which rebuffed his decision, PBS reported. (Business Insider, March 28, 2019)

*AICE does not rate or endorse any candidate for political office.

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